Operation Black Antler

★★★★★ “Uncomfortable at times and outright disturbing at others… This truly gripping piece of theatre will have you gripped.” – Manchester Evening News

★★★★★ “The cleverest and most challenging I have ever taken part in.” – North West End

★★★★★ “As the show gets going, I become fully immersed, at times even forgetting that the situation is make-believe, which is a real credit to some of the fantastic actors… As the show ends, we wish we had more time. The beauty of Operation Black Antler is in the complete unknown.” – Northern Soul

★★★★ “Being outside your comfort zone is what Black Antler is all about… Those who like some brain fodder and an element of surprise – to be challenged as well as entertained – should take advantage of this show while it’s still in Manchester. Unique, slightly surreal and unafraid to tackle taboos, it’s an experience you’re unlikely to find again.” – Manchester Confidential

“This reviewer’s advice is simple: go along for the ride!” – The Reviews Hub

★★★★★ “Highlight of the piece – the whole thing from start to finish was a masterpiece – more of this please!” – Ginger Wig

Go undercover for one night across secret locations in Manchester to explore the moral corruption at the heart of state surveillance. What will you do when the power is in your hands?

Operation Black Antler is an immersive theatre piece by four-times BAFTA nominated artists’ group Blast Theory and critically-acclaimed immersive theatre company Hydrocracker that invites you to enter the murky world of undercover surveillance and question the morality of state-sanctioned spying.

For 40 years British police officers have been undercover inside protest groups. Scandals such as Wikileaks, the Snowden affair and the revelations about the Special Demonstration Squad show that secret forces within the state have little respect for law.

In Operation Black Antler you are given a new identity as part of a small team; you are briefed and then sent into an undercover operation. Once inside, you can choose to take part in a series of challenges that encourage you to consider what is and isn’t acceptable in the name of security. From a first-hand perspective, you must make decisions and then reflect on the consequences of your decisions. What will you do when the power is in your hands?

Co-commissioned by Ideas Test and Brighton Festival, Operation Black Antler has been developed with support from Arts Council England, The Chalk Cliff Trust and in partnership with Dramatic Resources.

Production information

Running time approx 2hrs (no interval)

Recommended age 16+

This production features adult themes, strong language and audience interaction

The show takes place at secret locations near HOME

You will be alerted by SMS message as to the details of the start location

Latecomers will be advised where to meet/catch up with the show through replying to the initial text message

Ticket information

Tickets: £20 (conc. available)

Operation Black Antler Team Ticket Deal: Want to be in a team with your friends? Get six – nine people together and save £2 per ticket. Tickets must be purchased together at the same time (subject to availability).